travel Archives - Page 24 of 47 - Destination's Journey

2 June 202227 May 2022

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Seal Rocks

Besides amazing beaches, Seal Rocks has a lighthouse at Sugarloaf Point overlooking the ocean and more beaches.

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse stands on a headland east of Seal Rocks village. Designed by colonial architect James Barnet as his first lighthouse, it was completed in 1875. It is one of only two towers in Australia with an external stairway. Although built to guide ships along the rocky coastline, there were still 20 wrecks after its completion.

The refurbished Lighthouse Keepers’ quarters and outbuildings are available as holiday accommodation for visitors. This would be a great way to experience the area.

Getting There

With a three and a half hour drive, 280km drive north of Sydney, Seal Rocks is too far for a day trip from Sydney, but excellent for a long weekend. From our home in the Hunter Valley, it took us a little over two hours to drive the 180kms.

A carpark at the base of the headland provides spaces for those walking to the lighthouse. A fee applies, as the area is managed by New South Wales Parks and Wildlife.

The Walk

Starting at the locked gate, a bitumen road leads up through the coastal forest, making it an easy walk. An information board near the gate provides details about the lighthouse and the wider Myall Lakes Area. Although the walk is easy underfoot, it can still be a bit of a challenge, because it is all uphill.

If you need a break, about halfway there is a toilet block.

Sea Cave

Not long before reaching the lighthouse a break in the trees lets you see a rocky inlet. This is great because it also has a sea cave, with the waves crashing through it.

Path to the Lighthouse

On reaching the lighthouse area, the patch becomes much steeper, but this section is also short. So, take your time and enjoy the views over the coastline. The old lighthouse keeper’s cottage is now used for guests, which would be a great way to experience the area.

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Keepers Cottage — Walk Up to the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage

The Lighthouse

Set at the top of the headland, the lighthouse overlooks some rocky cliffs and a spectacular beach to the west. With the stairs on the outside instead of inside, it looks different to others we have seen. We spent quite some time here, looking at the scenery and lighthouse, before retiring to our car.

What Did We Think of Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse?

This was a fun visit, with the sea caves adding something a little extra. the lighthouse was well maintain and in pristine condition. Parking may be an issue in school holidays and peak season because it is quite small.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on

31 May 202227 May 2022

Neranie Cemetery Walk Myall Lakes

This interesting little walk is not far from Seal Rocks on the New South Wales Mid-North Coast. Around an hour and 45 minutes north of Newcastle, the Neranie Cemetery Walk is a good spot to stop for a break. The sign for the start of the walk is old and hard to see, but is just after the turn off to the Neranie camp ground.

The 350m walk to the cemetery is uphill and was overgrown with long grass when we visited. Although we didn’t see any snakes, they might be a problem on a hot day if the grass is long.

The remaining monuments in the cemetery date from the late 19th to early 20th century, which coincides with the time a sawmill operated in the area. Now abandoned and heritage listed, it has a great view over the Myall Lakes.

This was an easy walk with an interesting cemetery at the end. Parking was easy in a small, cleared area, but it’s an easy place to miss if you are not careful.

The Overgrown Track Neranie Cemetery Walk — Faded Sign Post

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on

28 May 202228 May 2022

Wyong New South Wales

Wyong New South Wales Australia

Located on the New South Wales Central Coast, Wyong is around an hour’s drive north of Sydney, or an hour’s drive south from Newcastle. We visited to see the historic building and street art as well as visiting Alison Homestead on the outskirts of town.

Our first stop was the Chapman Building, where Glee Coffee have a café where you can grab a morning coffee. Opposite the café, the latest artwork was being installed. Unfortunately, these are taken down after a few months, but replaced a year later by the council.

At Alison Road, a map of the heritage walk has been installed. This is great in case you haven’t looked up the locations of what to see before-hand. Just across the road from the sign is Tightrope Lane, with it’s footpath painted as a tightrope.

We walked around the centre of town having a look at the old courthouse, post office and other buildings before heading off to the Alison Homestead. Another nearby attraction worth seeing is the old Milk Factory which now has a tavern, chocolate and candle making and arts and crafts.